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Best river hikes in Wales
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Best river hikes in Wales

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Wales.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Pembrokeshire, Wales · star 4.7 (76) · 286.4 km · Est. 17 days

2

Medium

North Wales Pilgrim's Way - Taith Pererin Gogledd Cymru

Flintshire, Wales · star 4.5 (58) · 221.2 km · Est. 12 days

3

Medium

Wysis Way

Monmouthshire, Wales · star 4.6 (47) · 86.9 km · Est. 5 days

4

Easy

Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk

Caerphilly, Wales · star 4.6 (42) · 45.1 km · Est. 3 days

5

Easy

Wats Dyke Way

Shropshire, Wales · star 4.5 (30) · 103.9 km · Est. 6 days

6

Medium

North Wales Path

Gwynedd, Wales · star 4.5 (39) · 100.3 km · Est. 6 days

7

Medium

Conwy Valley Way

Conwy, Wales · star 4.4 (37) · 151.7 km · Est. 9 days

8

Medium

Holyhead to Chepstow Walk

Isle of Anglesey, Wales · star 4.5 (51) · 566.2 km · Est. 32 days

9

Medium

Chepstow to Berwick - upon - Tweed - Great English Walk

Monmouthshire, Wales · star 4.5 (41) · 956.2 km · Est. 51 days

10

Medium

Ceredigion Coast Path

Ceredigion, Wales · star 4.6 (50) · 95.9 km · Est. 6 days

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Reviews for river hikes in Wales

simon thompson avatar

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

simon thompson · reviewed 5 months ago

star star star star star

Beautiful trail. Very quiet in October when we go. Very remote in parts so a bit of careful planning required re accommodation and bus times etc. Can be reached by Train for the most part with Stations along the way. Similar to South West Coast Path but with a few less Tough climbs.

Ian Carroll avatar

North Wales Pilgrim's Way - Taith Pererin Gogledd Cymru

IanC · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Another cracker. Made better with resent spell of good weather. (Coastal path, not good in parts after prolonged rain)

Carlos Carmena avatar

Wysis Way

Carlos · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Selma Andersen avatar

Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk

Selma Andersen · reviewed about 5 years ago

star star star star star

Corazon Kshlerin avatar

Wats Dyke Way

TraverseBushstrider12 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Wales

What is the climate like for hiking in Wales?

In Wales, winter (December-February) presents colder, wetter conditions and fewer daylight hours, making hiking challenging. The mild spring (March-May) is a fine season for hiking with longer daylight and blossoming landscapes. Summer (June-August) offers the best conditions, while autumn (September-November) offers vibrant foliage. Find weather information here.

Do I need a permit to hike in Wales?

In Wales, public paths and rights of way typically don't require permits for hiking. For access to private lands or protected areas, contact the local authority or Natural Resources Wales. Obtain permits for national parks through their individual websites, like Snowdonia National Park.

Is wild camping allowed in Wales?

Wild camping in Wales is technically illegal without landowner's permission, but is often tolerated in higher fell areas if practiced responsibly. Be discreet, leave no trace, and camp only for a night. Check guidelines from the UK's Countryside Code.

Are there mountain rescue services in Wales?

In case of hiking emergencies in Wales, contact the local Mountain Rescue team via the UK emergency number, 999, then ask for 'Police', then 'Mountain Rescue'. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is the overarching organisation for local teams.

Are there dangerous plants in Wales?

While hiking in Wales, you'll encounter a variety of flora. The countryside blooms with heather, gorse, and bluebells, while the woodlands host a variety of mosses, lichens, and ferns. In Snowdonia, rare plants like the Snowdon lily are a treat. More information at Plantlife.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Wales?

In Wales, hikers may spot red kites, Welsh mountain ponies, and otters. Watch out for midges and ticks in warmer months, and take precautions against Lyme disease. Keep an eye on the skies for peregrine falcons in mountainous areas. For more information, visit RSPB.

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